SENATE BILL REPORT

                           HJM 4009

                     AS OF MARCH 23, 1993

Brief Description:  Petitioning for consistency and flexibility of actions of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency with regard to flood projects.

SPONSORS: Representatives R. Johnson, Quall, Veloria, Rust, Kremen and J. Kohl

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: April 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funding for federally declared flood disasters.  FEMA policies require that most of the federal money for dike and levee reconstruction be used to restore the damaged structure to pre-existing conditions.  This policy often results in similar damages during subsequent floods.

The state Department of Fisheries has established guidelines to encourage planting vegetation on dike and levee systems to reduce erosion.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policies on vegetation management often discourage planting vegetation. 

SUMMARY:

Congress is asked to amend the flood assistance laws regulating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency so that the agency will be more flexible.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested